Izien Ovbiagele is a Nigerian and Filipino Toronto-based interdisciplinary artist, photographer, poet, and contributing writer. Inspired by culture, nature, and vibrant palettes, Izien’s work exemplifies urban resilience, uninhibited joy, and pride through visual imagery and prose-poetry. She attributes the cultivation of her artistic expression to her upbringing in Houston, Texas.
In 2017, Izien received the MVP recognition in the film program at UforChange, followed by her acceptance into the Arts Educator Apprenticeship with Voice of Purpose x the Toronto District School Board. Her poetry has been featured in ‘Lost In Translation’ at Artscape Youngplace, ‘Ain’t I A Woman - I Am A Man’ exhibit at the Design Exchange, Easy Period, Emancipation Arts ‘Free Up’ event at The Theatre Centre, Regent Park Newsletter and Lakeshore Arts.
She joined the Young Playwright’s Unit Extended Cohort at Tarragon Theatre in 2021, bringing a compelling voice to contemporary storytelling. A proud alumna of the Business Communication program at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Chang School, Izien returned to academia post-pandemic, where she completed an Honours degree in Language and Intercultural Relations this past Fall. Her multidisciplinary background and passion for lifelong learning continue to shape her artistic practice, infusing her work with a rich blend of cultural insight and narrative depth.